Internet scammers target two Coast swimwear stores

SCAMMERS pretending to represent Tesltra have targeted the two Mooloolaba stores of a swimwear retail businesses in an attempt to gain access to its computers.

The Sundaze stores in Mooloolaba International Building and River Esplanade were contacted within half an hour of each other.

Owner Fraser Green said the callers had told his staff there was an issue with the company's computers which was interfering with the internet network.

"They were told the interference left them in danger of losing internet access for 15 days," Mr Green said. "Both times staff were asked for access to the computers so the problem could be fixed."

He said, given the two Mooloolaba stores were having problems with their communication systems at the time, the request could easily have prompted inattentive staff to provide access that would have ceded control and rendered the entire business vulnerable.

Instead they were on the ball and immediately contacted Mr Green for advice. His response was to send emails to all his stores including those at Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise warning of the danger and to ignore any calls.

Mr Green said he suspected scammers were trying to gain control of the computers to demand a ransom.

"I've only ever heard of them targeting people at home," he said. "But it would put fear into business which can't survive today without internet."